AIR FORCE PROGRAMS
E-8 Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System
(JSTARS)
Executive Summary
• A 2005 operational assessment showed serious shortfalls in
the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS)
ability to perform Close Air Support (CAS) missions
previously performed by the Airborne Battlefield Command
and Control Center (ABCCC).
• Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center (AFOTEC)
conducted a 2005 operational assessment of the attack support
upgrade.
• Engine upgrades and resolution of radio problems are
required.
• The 2008 Qualification Operational Test and Evaluation
(QOT&E) will test CAS capability and Block 30 upgrades.
System
• JSTARS, a remanufactured Boeing 707 aircraft, includes a
radar system, communications suite, data link capability, 18
operator workstations, and an air refueling capability.
• JSTARS consists of an Air Force E-8C aircraft, an Army
JSTARS Common Ground Station, and the Surveillance and
Control Data Link connecting the two.
Activity
• The CAS operational assessment of the Block 30 upgrade in
May 2005 utilized aircrews from the 116th Air Control Wing,
and focused on the ability of JSTARS to assume the CAS
mission tasks. These tasks were formerly assigned to the
decommissioned ABCCC EC-130E aircraft.
- JSTARS aircrews tested during a two-week simulation
phase. Testing was done in accordance with
DOT&E-approved test plans.
- The Air Force, realizing serious JSTARS/CAS shortfalls,
cancelled the operational assessment live flight phase.
• The Block 30 attack support upgrade testing in January–May
2005 assessed the ability to conduct digital communications
via the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System
(Link-16 radio). Testing consisted of several phases including
lab, simulation, ground, and live flight testing.
• A Test and Evaluation Master Plan was approved in August
2005, which includes a QOT&E, scheduled for 2008, to test
the entire Block 30 upgrade program.
Assessment
• JSTARS was assessed as operationally effective in operations
other than war during 1996 Bosnian operations.
• The Block 30 upgrade includes an attack support upgrade and
ABCCC replacement software and hardware.
Mission
• Air and ground commanders use JSTARS for battlefield
surveillance, battle management, and intelligence indications
and warnings.
• Warfighters use JSTARS to locate, track, classify, and support
attacks against time-sensitive moving and stationary targets.
• Commanders now have limited surveillance situational
awareness which was previously absent without the E-8C
JSTARS.
• JSTARS aircrews could not effectively conduct all mission
tasks formerly assigned to the ABCCC during the 2005 CAS
operational assessment.
• Attack support functions for controlling fighters and assigning
missions and targets were successfully implemented in the
upgrade.
• Full digital operations between JSTARS and other platforms
were unsuccessful during attack support and battle
management missions due to implementation inconsistencies
of Link-16 between various platforms.
• Ultra High Frequency radio communications problems were
observed during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
• Modification of the JSTARS concept of operations is required
to support CAS missions.
Recommendations
1. Modify the JSTARS concept of operations for CAS.
2. CAS mission training will be required before the QOT&E.
3. Radio communications deficiencies need to be resolved.
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AIR FORCE PROGRAMS
4. Engine upgrades are required to improve mission reliability
rates and increase operating altitudes.
5. Air Combat Command should conduct further operational
test and evaluation with JSTARS, fighter aircraft, and ground
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E-8 JSTARS
elements in order to resolve the issues identified during attack
support upgrade testing.